Our Team

  • Athena Danae, Founder

    Athena’s life in rescue began in 2011 as a foster mom and she continued to foster for various rescues for the next 7 years. After fostering hundreds of dogs she followed her dream in starting her own rescue. Her passion to help homeless animals along with an amazing team around her has built the foundation to a rescue that focuses on saving many lives. Athena works full time to make sure her 4 personal dogs have everything they need as well as run and operate the rescue. She is a huge advocate for the dogs and will continue to be their voice.

  • Jamie Hernandez Rivera, Rescue Coordinator

    As a DMV native, Jamie grew up with Athena, who introduced Jamie to the rescue world! Jamie has two adult twin children and two beautiful grandchildren, plus her fur baby, KTLH alumni Jayda. Jamie works full-time as a nurse at a local hospital with heart patients, but when she’s not working she’s helping to save pups!

  • Cinthya Rivera, Social Media & Foster Coordinator

    Cinthya started fostering in 2019 and quickly found her love and passion for the rescue world. She works full time as a social worker and when she’s not working, you can find her at a local shelter walking a dog, snapping pictures at the KTLH adoption events, maintaining our social media platforms or giving endless cuddles at home to her 2 dogs and 1 cat. She also serves as our foster coordinator.

  • Melissa McLaughlin, Events & Donations Coordinator

    Melissa has been involved in animal rescue for almost 4 years now and has fostered over 60 pups! As a native from the DMV area, she currently resides in Rockville with her two resident pups, Jojo & Rufus. She works full time for a software company and when she is not busy in the tech world, she dedicates her extra time to rescue by coordinating adoption events and any incoming donations. Melissa has such a strong passion for animals which is distinctively reflected in her volunteer efforts.

  • Donna Murray, Medical Coordinator